Lima

PERU

“I was truly amazed and humbled by coming into contact with the magnitude of all the things I will never be able to really know and by how incredibly different and similar the world can be at the same time. [...] I was continuously amazed by how much hope and optimism the people, as a nation, seemed to have.”

— Kathleen, Volunteer

Land of the Incas

Volunteer in Peru

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Impact Areas

Child EducationAn influx of internally displaced people, often due to extreme poverty, to the capital of Lima created temporary communities that are still in existence today. Education, a right of every child, is lacking in these communities due to a lack of government support, absence of a proper ID to enroll in formal schools, and a sense of despair that the current educational opportunities available to children will create pathways to a better future. Support the community through improving the day to day education for children through activities, instruction, and individual support at day care centers and pre-schools so that children and families get a positive start to meet their educational goals.

Individual

Group +4

Child HealthWhile medical services do exist for communities in need, preventative care and appropriate sanitation facilities continue to be a primary struggle for children and families. Through group-based projects with 4 or more individuals, you can improve access to water by creating a WASH station in schools and community centers, run a vision project for children to receive eyeglasses, and participate in dental hygiene initiatives to ensure children have access to these supplies. By serving the most vulnerable communities in Lima in child health projects, you will prevent the spread of disease and further increase access to education.

Change A Child's Life. One Journey At A Time.

In communities where education is not readily available, and for children enrolled in school to further their education during school breaks, CCS volunteers work with primary school children in Casa Hogares (children's shelters). These shelters provide a safe space for children with individual attention to improve literacy and English language skills, as well as an outlet for artistic expression. Through crafts, activities, stories, games, and individual education opportunities, volunteers facilitate a productive and positive environment to create a meaningful difference in the interaction, engagement, and academic potential of the most vulnerable students in Lima.

Peru is a dynamic county comprised of a plethora of indigenous cultures in addition to the more recent Spanish colonial, African, and Asian influences that all collide to create the fusion that makes Lima so unique. This is particularly visible in the cuisine; Lima is commonly celebrated as the gastronomic capital of South America. The geography of Peru is equally fascinating with desert, mountain, jungle, and coastal climates. During your stay in Lima, you will experience this mix of cultures and vibrancy in a city that is perched on clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

FACT SHEET

Population Below Poverty Line

33%

Human Development Index Ranking

84 / 188 countries

Primary School Dropout Rate

26%

Maternal Mortality Rate

89 / 100,000

Voices from the Community

“With the kids, it’s really refreshing and eye opening to see how positive they are given their circumstances.”

"CCS volunteers have helped to improve our students' social skills. Mothers of our students have also benefited from the cultural exchange with the volunteers."

"Help from foreign volunteers gives our students and their families more hope for their future. For staff, it has been an enriching experience and a chance to meet people from different cultures."

Immerse Yourself

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Lima Street Art & Graffiti

Explore the streets of Callao, Lima's fishing port just north of the city, where art expositions, films, and photo shoots all converge into one colorful explosion in this hip and up-and-coming district. Learn about the history and meaning of the street art that meets you at every turn, and leave your mark on Lima through a graffiti tour and class.

Take Spanish Lessons

Our Spanish lessons will help you communicate with ease during your volunteer experience, and out in the community while you're exploring. Courses are held twice a week at the CCS Home-Base, and are tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers. Whether you want the know-how to find "el baño" at a restaurant, or are hoping to put your Peruvian slang to the test, your CCS language instructor will help you get there.

Tour Plaza de Armas & Catacombs

Join us downtown, the colonial district of Lima where vestiges of Spain’s colonial empire still linger. Make your way through the palm tree lined Plaza de Armas to catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco to see the catacombs, which served as a burial place until 1808.

Miraflores Artisan Market

At the traditional Inca market in Miraflores, you can purchase alpaca socks (or alpaca anything, really), along with artisan goods from all over the country. Have fun practicing your Spanish skills while bargaining for a better price (don’t be shy; it’s expected!)

Visit the "Earth Maker" at Pachacamac

Named for the pre-Incan god Pacha Kamaq, or "Earth Maker", the ruins of Pachacamac will transport you back in time to the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon to learn about the religious beliefs and cultural systems of one of Peru's earliest civilizations.

Make Peruvian Chocolate

While the origins of chocolate are still under debate, many experts agree that the cocoa bean originated from the Andes foothills in the Amazon rainforest. Create your own "food of the Gods" at a chocolate-making class in Peru, and get a taste of what is becoming known more and more as one of the best chocolates in the world.

Try Your Hand at Peruvian Fonts

Located in a small artist studio in the heart of Barranco, attend a workshop focused on teaching us about the famous Lima font that can be seen on the sides of taxis, buses, and trucks. This font dates back to the 1950’s and has become a contemporary aspect of street art in Lima. In this workshop, you will learn how to make this font, and will create a piece of art you can take home with you.

Time to Unwind

FREE TIME

EXPLORE BOHEMIAN BARRANCO

Lima is brimming with trendy, fun neighborhoods, with a blend of ancient architecture, artsy cafes, and colorful streets. In the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, hold your breath across the Puente de los Suspiros bridge and discover dance troupes, street art, and a delicious taste of ceviche as you discover how Peru blends the best of old and new.

PARAGLIDE ON THE PACIFIC

See Lima from a bird's eye view with a paragliding experience off the cliffs of Miraflores. As you sail over the Pacific Ocean, you'll spot urban high rises, the foothills of Lima, and surfers enjoying the world-famous waves of Peru.

SANDBOARD AT A DESERT OASIS

Discover Ica and the desert oasis community of Huacachina. On the sand dunes of one of the driest places on earth, try your hand at sandboarding. Or visit the Ballestas Islands to enjoy the penguins and sea lions that live freely in the Paracas National Reserve.

BOAT AROUND LAKE TITICACA

Visit South America's largest lake and boat around to each of the man-made inhabited islands, made entirely of reeds. After a day on the lake, visit Puno, the folklore capital of Peru, to share a story and a cup of tea with some local residents.

SEE COLCA CANYON

Arequipa is Peru's second largest city and also one of its most beautiful, with ethereal white stone buildings nestled in the foothills of Peru’s southern volcanic belt. Hit the markets to purchase some of the aromatic spices you've been tasting in local cuisine, and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb volcanoes, or if you've got time for a longer jaunt, hike the Colca Canyon, for some serious bragging rights.

VISIT CUSCO

Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu and a convenient stop on the way to the Amazon; it’s also an incredible historical and archaeological treasure. Visit Choquequirao to explore the ruins of this small Incan City, then head back to town to check out Spanish cathedrals and chow down on some of the amazing cuy -- guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy. Take a photo or two of the “White Christ” statue watching over the city with arms outstretched.

EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU

Lace up your hiking boots and hike the four-day Inca Trail from Cusco to reach Machu Picchu’s sun gate just in time for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the nearly 600 year-old Incan ruins. You can also choose the one-day hike or take the train, but be sure to allow yourself a couple of days to explore the entire complex. Wander through the ruins of the temples and see for yourself why Machu Picchu is one of the new wonders of the world.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Peru’s largest city is the perfect place to practice your Spanish. Sing a duet with new friends at a karaoke bar downtown, or join in with the local kids as they splash around in the fountains of the Parque de la Reserva. Once you've toweled off, be sure to hang around for the nightly light and water show that starts after dark.

Your Home Away from Home

THE LIMA HOME-BASE

Your Home-Base in the Chorrillos district of Lima reflects Peruvian culture, with access to vibrant markets and cozy neighborhood eateries, all located within close proximity to the communities we serve in an authentic and welcoming community. The Home-Base, located on the second floor of a Peruvian family home, offers a rooftop terrace and a lovely patio garden so you can make yourself at home. Join fellow volunteers in a comfortable living area adorned with Peruvian decor before you retreat to shared bedrooms, separated by gender. The lifelong friendships forged in the CCS Home-Base are just one incredible benefit of this unique environment.

Enjoy locally-prepared meals each day in the Home-Base reflecting Peru's world-famous cuisine. You'll love lunch served with fresh passion fruit juice, and volunteers can't get enough of the incredible chili sauce that you'll want to add to every meal. With a plethora of options for you to discover, we're sure you'll find your favorite Peruvian dish in no time.

Your Lima Staff

KAROL HERMOZA, COUNTRY PRESIDENT

I believe that positive impact and investment in education can change the realities of the beneficiaries we serve. I am passionate about ensuring that each volunteer makes a meaningful difference, but also experiences Lima from the perspective of a Peruvian, from the delicious food to our history and culture.

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Management from San Ignacio de Loyola University (Lima, Peru) and a Master's Degree in International Cultural Heritage Management from Durham University (Durham, UK). My work experience ranges from tourism to cultural heritage to social responsibility, where I have a particular interest in creating experiences that represent a true Peruvian immersion.

I am passionate about impactful volunteering and sustainability. CCS gives me a chance to make a difference.

Country Staff

When Can I Go?

COSTS & DATES

Volunteers are needed year-round from 1-12 week increments. Groups of 4 or more can select their own custom dates and individuals are encouraged to select from the dates below to join a cohort of others.